Kyrgyzstan farmers swap apricots for raspberries amid climate change

Kyrgyzstan's farmers are adapting to a changing climate by shifting traditional crops. In the Batken region, apricot growers are increasingly turning to raspberries and cherries. This change is driven by several consecutive years of damaging frosts that have decimated apricot harvests.

Raspberries and cherries offer a partial solution because their development and fruiting periods differ from apricots, potentially mitigating the risk of frost damage. Simultaneously, rising temperatures are making it feasible to cultivate more heat-loving crops in areas previously dominated by grasses and grains, such as parts of Naryn and Dzhumgal regions.

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apricot orchards have been affected by frosts for several years in a row, leaving farmers with little or no harvest.

However, agricultural experts caution that simply swapping crops is insufficient for long-term success. Farmers require access to essential resources like seedlings and modern agricultural technologies. Furthermore, implementing water-saving irrigation systems is crucial. Most importantly, securing reliable markets for their new produce is vital for farmers to transition effectively and sustainably.

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Farmers need access to seedlings and agricultural technologies, water-saving irrigation systems and, most importantly, guaranteed markets for their produce.